As a special treat for the party in series, Amanda is sketching celebratory drawings of each city name. Download the 5×7 Portland print here and use for postcards, gift tags, invitations or stash away a set of your favorite city prints to frame together at home.

My friend Danni’s description of her recent trip to Portland confirmed that it’s truly a mecca of cool kids and creative business ventures. “We ate grilled cheese in a double-decker bus. I mean, where else do you find stuff like that?!” It sounds to me like that’s the type of place I would want to throw a party.

Here are the people and places to know when planning a party in Portland:

Oblation is a Portland stationary shop that specializes in fine letterpress goods and the making of their own paper. If you’re interested in the 19th century process of printing, they even allow guests to sit and enjoy the view of them working in their letterpress print shop.

Since Portland is abundant with parks, that seems like a natural venue for a party. Two top choices are the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden and Sellwood Park. Both are absolutely beautiful spots, but offer different atmospheres. Crystal Springs is a classic English garden impeccably manicured. Sellwood has a more relaxed vibe with huge trees and a bluff that overlooks the Willamette River and downtown.

Eastmoreland Kitchen is the place for mouth-watering sandwiches (maybe for your afternoon tea party at the garden?). Everything is freshly made with local ingredients so you know you’re getting only the best.

I received a box of cupcakes from Saint Cupcake in the mail and even when I ate them a few days later, they were super moist and delicious. Plus, in store they have jars of color coded sprinkles so it would be worth a stop just to admire those.

The Lippman Co is a classic party store stocked with big round balloons and honeycomb decorations that can make every party a little happier.

Abby describes Cargo as “a fun imports store choc full of interesting wares from around the world. Imagine Cost Plus-but waaay cooler.” I’m now dreaming of the shelves of lanterns and paper garlands.

My family lived in Vancouver, WA (about 5 min. from Portland) for about 3 years, but I was away at college for 1/2 the time. I’m surprised though that I have never been to any of the places you listed (apparently I didn’t get out much)! Hopefully someday soon I will get to go back for a visit! I love the Portland sketch, can’t wait to see more!

wow how ironic.
Im fromt portland and I was just about to go and see where the st cupcake place is..lovely post. i shall check out some of these places..sometimes you forget how pretty Portland really is!